Etchers & Engravers

sketch realistic interests product patterns metal material polish workpiece power tools finished product image

Chemical Engraver, Engraver, Etcher, Photo Engraver

What they do:
Engrave or etch metal, wood, rubber, or other materials. Includes such workers as etcher-circuit processors, pantograph engravers, and silk screen etchers.
On the job, you would:
  • Inspect etched work for depth of etching, uniformity, and defects, using calibrated microscopes, gauges, fingers, or magnifying lenses.
  • Examine sketches, diagrams, samples, blueprints, or photographs to decide how designs are to be etched, cut, or engraved onto workpieces.
  • Clean and polish engraved areas.

Knowledge

Manufactured or Agricultural Goods

  • manufacture and distribution of products

Business

  • customer service

Engineering and Technology

  • design
  • mechanical

Skills

Basic Skills

  • keeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvements
  • reading work related information

Problem Solving

  • noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

Abilities

Hand and Finger Use

  • keep your arm or hand steady
  • hold or move items with your hands

Verbal

  • listen and understand what people say
  • communicate by speaking

Personality

People interested in this work like activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions.

They do well at jobs that need:

  • Attention to Detail
  • Independence
  • Dependability
  • Achievement/Effort
  • Persistence
  • Cooperation

Technology

You might use software like this on the job:

Graphics or photo imaging software

  • Adobe Illustrator Hot Technology
  • Corel CorelDraw Graphics Suite

Computer aided manufacturing CAM software

  • Delcam ArtCAM Express
  • Western Engravers Supply Vision EXPERT

Operating system software

  • Microsoft Windows Hot Technology

Education

Education: (rated 2 of 5)
high school diploma/GED or
no high school diploma/GED
usually needed

Get started on your career:

Find Training
Apprenticeship.gov

Job Outlook

Below Average
New job opportunities are less likely in the future.
Local Salary Info
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See more details at O*NET OnLine about etchers and engravers.